Shortly after their coronation, William and Mary decided to quit their central London residence for Henry VIII's Tudor Palace at Hampton Court, thirteen miles outside the city.

The king was asthmatic, and the fog rising from the Thames was bad for his health.

A source close to the royal couple revealed that health might not have been the only reason for the unexpected move. Whitehall was closely associated with James II, William's immediate predecessor, whose additions to the palace had included a notorious Roman Catholic chapel.

The King and Queen were so impatient to move that construction was hurried along and the King's architect, Sir Christopher Wren, was instructed to draw up plans for updating and extending the Palace. Within months part of the roof was already in place.

The fast pace of work was unsustainable and disaster struck. Part of the new structure collapsed, killing two workmen and injuring eleven others. The queen - who had been overseeing the work - expressed her sorrow at the accident.

Sir Christopher Wren was said to be deeply 'troubled', as well he might; for the king set up a committee to enquire into the accident.

Wren's colleague William Talman embarrassed the renowned architect by publicly questioning his competence.

Wren's credibility as a manager took another knock when an accident occurred at another of the King's properties, Kensington Palace, where Wren was also in charge.